Our first family vacation AND our first trip to Disney!

[derncare]

15 days and counting!!

Hi everyone! I am a new DIS'er and just found these boards about 2 months ago. I've been just trying to soak in all the info in all the forums since I joined. It's a lot to take in! But I have enjoyed it so much and learned so much as well!

We are heading to the World for 4 days at the end of March. We're driving from TX to FL and staying off property at my in-laws retirement home, which right now is not occupied, which = free! Woo hoo!

Cast:

Me - Carrie - Total OCD, Control freak, Anal, and everything else you can imagine that goes along with all of that. Very extroverted, ask me whatever you like as I am an open book. I'm a product of a divorce so we never went on family vacations growing up. Likewise, I always felt like I was the only person who I knew that didn't go to DisneyWorld as a child. So this is a huge dream of mine and means so much to me, not only because it is a family vacation for us (our first week long vacation) but also because this is something that I've always wanted to do!

DH - Derek - Totally laid back, goes with the flow, let's me control and plan everything and just goes along for the ride. lol Very introverted, doesn't talk much but is the type that when he does talk, you should listen as it is something good/important. My total opposite. Best Dad in the world and just an amazing man. Has been to Magic Kingdom only growing up so he isn't as excited as me, but he's coming around.

We met on the internet <gasp> back when internet dating was fairly new. I lived on the East Coast, he lived on the West Coast, and here we are 8+ years later with 2 gorgeous kids. It's amazing how God works!

DS - David - Age 6. Very easy going kid, good natured, big heart, super sweet and typical 1st child. Is scared of anything and everything that moves. Very anxious. Have to make him do anything as he never wants to do anything new. The whole trip will be a fight to get him to ride the rides but hoping to break him out of his shell a little by the 2nd or 3rd day. Very artisy like his Daddy. Loves, loves, loves, LOVES Star Wars!

DD - Katey - Age 2.5. Strong willed kid, stubborn, out of control, only does what Katey wants, when Katey wants to do it, and how Katey wants to do it and don't try to tell her different. David's complete opposite and my mini-me. She has no fear of anything and is sassy as can be, even at 2.5 years old. She has her Daddy and I scared! ha ha ha

Here's a family pic:

Also going on our trip is my mom (aka Gannie), my SIL (aka Aunt Ash), and my neice (aka Bre).

I have gone Disney nuts the last few months. I've made shirts (7 for each of us!), autograph books, passports, car magnets, letters, and on and on. I'll post pics of all of this stuff before we go.

I have made schedules for each day at each park. They are simply a go by and I am NOT going to freak if we don't go by them 100%. They are just an idea of things that I want to do and an order that makes most sense after doing research and talking to 2 Disney vets who have been way more times than me (which isn't hard). I'll post my schedules below.

 

[derncare]

These are already typed up and printed out and placed into my binder. (It's the second binder that I've made as the first one wasn't good enough ) So I will just copy and paste these all here and would appreciate feedback from Disney vets who are looking at this and shaking your head at my psychoticness.

Here we go...

Epcot 9am to 9pm
Leave Ocala by 6:45am

1. Arrive and park at the TTC on the Disney property around 8:00am. Take the MONORAIL to Epcot which is a 17 minute ride.
2. Arrive approximately 30-45 min before park opens (it’s a long walk from where the tram drops you off!) If you’re renting a stroller, go through the gates, past all the stone monuments, stroller rental is to the left before you get to the big “ball”
3. If riding Soarin’ (#8), give all park tickets to one Fastpass volunteer (Derek).
a. Soarin’ strategy – must be at the park by 8:35 – 8:40 to get in front of the crowds. Once through security and gates, you are generally allowed as far into the park as the front of the Epcot “ball.” Soarin’ is to the right of the park, so line up on the right side of the ball. Try to line up as close to the rope, towards the left side of the crowd, as everyone knows they will be turning right once they get to Soarin’ so if you’re on the left, it’s less crowded and you can get ahead of some people. Once you get near the building though, they will make you go up the right side ramp, so you’ll eventually need to end up on the right side of the crowd. The Disney employees will walk in front of the crowd to keep people from going too fast. Once in the building, you can go down the stairs or the escalator. The stairs are faster and put you on the better side of the crowd to get FastPasses. (must be 40” to ride Soarin’)
4. Head over to the Nemo building and catch the Talk Turtle with Crush show (#7)
5. Ride Journey into Your Imagination (#9)
6. Ride Soarin’ if it’s late enough for your fastpass window (#8)
7. See Mickey at the Character Spot (#6)
8. Head straight across the park and either ride Test Track if the line does not exceed 30 min, or get fast passes (#4)
9. After riding Test Track, head across the water into the World Showcase. See the Kidcot Station list for each country. Make sure to pick up the mask, stick handles, and passport (optional) for each kid before heading into the first country.
a. Mexico (#10 – Kidcot is in a brightly lit shop on the left side after you walk down the gently sloping ramp)
i. Ride the Gran Fiesta Tour
b. Norway (#11 – Kidcot is located just inside the Puffin’s Roost store, across from Restaurant Akershus, and in the section with all the candy)
i. Ride Maelstrom
c. China (#12 – Kidcot is located all the way in the back of the pavilion, in the open area of the Yong Feng Shangdian store and the exit area of “Reflections of China”)
i. Look for Mulan+ at the Hall of Prayer or by the large red archways
ii. Watch the Acrobats perform around 3pm
d. The Outpost
i. Listen to African Storytelling with Tutu and Don
e. Germany (#13 – Kidcot is located just inside the Volkskunst store which is the one with the cuckoo clock over it and in the back right corner of the pavillion)
i. Look for Snow White+ at the far left side of the country near The Outpost.
ii. Visit the Der Teddybar Store (You can make a custom doll here for $120-$145 and the doll maker himself, Mr, Engel, if available, will sigh your doll. Or, all doll clothes fit the American Girl doll which is cheaper than buying one here.)
iii. Visit the Christmas Store
f. Italy (#14 – Kidcot is located between La Cucina Italiana shop on the pavillion’s right side, and a very pretty angel statue in the back)
i. Find Sergio the Clown
g. USA American Adventure (#15 – Kidcot is located on the far right side of the American Adventure building as you face its entrance)
i. Find the Drum Corps where kids can participate by doing the Pledge of Allegiance
h. Japan (#16 – Kidcot is located at the following. Find the Tin Toy exhibit located at the very back of the pavilion, near the exit area of the Mitsukoshi Department Store (walk past the soldiers on horses, across the drawbridge, and into the “castle”) Walk through the glass doors and the station is located inside the second room)
i. See the Candy Spinner show with Ms. Miyuki
ii. Visit the Mitsukoshi Department Store
i. Morocco (#17 – Kidcot is located inside the “old city” portion of the pavilion, in the back section of the buildings, just inside the Brass Bazaar Store)
i. Find Alladin+ in the staging room behind the Kidcot station or outside near the Gifts of Morocco Shop
j. France (#18 – Kidcot is located inside the Galerie Des Halles which is at the exit for the Impressions de France movie on the far left side of the pavilion area)
i. Find Aurora/Belle+ near the poster stand or at the back side gardens of the pavilion
ii. Watch the Serveur Amusant Act
k. United Kingdom (#19 – Kidcot is located inside the Toy Soldier store and near the character area)
i. Find Mary Poppins/Winnie the Pooh+ in/at the Toy Soldier Shop
ii. Listen to the British Invasion Band
iii. Watch the World Showcase Players Show
iv. Visit the Medieval Toy Scene
l. Canada (#20 – Kidcot is located on the lower level of Canada near the ‘O Canada’ movie exit Enter the Canada Pavillion through the Butchart Gardens on the right side of Canada, follow the path past Le Cellier Steakhouse to the station)
i. Take Totem Pole Pictures
ii. Look for the Canadian Rockies Waterfall
iii. Listen to Off Kilter perform
10. When leaving the park, ride the MONORAIL back to the TTC which is a 17 minute ride.

NOTES:

Illuminations Fireworks Show is at 9pm

 

[derncare]

Animal Kingdom 9am to 6pm
Leave Ocala by 6:45am, Don’t forget the Disney clothes for Dinner with Cinderella
TAKE TWO CARS!!

1. Arrive and park at the TTC on the Disney property around 8:00am. Take the BUS to Animal Kingdom which is a 19 minute ride.
2. Arrive approximately 25 min before opening (usually opens at 9:00). Stroller rentals are on the right.
3. Rent a locker and put the dresses in them for the Cinderella dinner.
4. Head towards the back left corner of the park and either ride Kilimanjaro Safaris or pick up a fastpass to ride later. (#6) Sit in the back row for the best photo taking opportunities.
5. Walk the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail (#7)
6. Walk the Maharaja Jungle Trek (#13)
7. Ride Expedition Everest (Carrie and Ash) (#15)
8. Use your Kilimanjaro Safari fastpasses before you leave the Asia / Africa area.
9. Check the Times Guide and see It’s Tough to be a Bug (might be too much for little kids, it’s a 4-D experience) (#2)
10. If you’re looking for characters, head towards the front of the park to Camp Minnie-Mickey (#5)
11. Check the Times Guide for the Festival of the Lion King showtimes and see the show. It can be loud. (#4)
12. Head across the park in front of the Tree of Life towards Dinoland
13. Ride Triceratop Spin (#20)
14. Either ride the Dinosaur ride or pick up fastpasses if wait is longer than 30 min (#21)
15. Check the Times Guide for the Finding Nemo Musical (#18)
16. Ride the Primeval Whirl (Carrie and Ash) (#19)
17. Get the Disney dresses out of the lockers before leaving the park

NOTES:

Jammin’ Jungle Parade is at 4pm

Carrie/Katey/Gannie/Ash/Bre = MAKE SURE TO LEAVE ANIMAL KINGDOM NO LATER THAN 5:50pm in order to ride the BUS to the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa which is a 29 minute ride. DON’T FORGET TO GET THE CLOTHES OUT OF THE LOCKER BEFORE LEAVING!! Then once at the Grand Floridian, go into the bathroom to change the girls into their clothing. Dinner is called “Cinderella’s Gala Feast” and the reservations at are 7:15pm for a table of 5. Katey is free. This meal is NOT paid for in advance. After the meal, take the MONORAIL back to the TTC which is a 15 minute ride. Then drive home to Ocala.

Derek/David = Stay at the Animal Kingdom until the park closes at 6pm. Then ride the BUS back to the TTC which is a 19 minute ride. Then take the car and head home to Ocala and/or stop somewhere on the way home to eat dinner.

 

[derncare]

Magic Kingdom 9am to 9pm
Leave Ocala by 6:30am

1. Arrive and park at the TTC on the Disney property around 7:45am. Take the MONORAIL to Magic Kingdown which is a 17 minute ride.
2. Get to the opening gates around 50 minutes before opening time (usually opens @ 9:00). Rent strollers & get park maps & times from shop under the main street railroad station before going into the park.
3. As soon as the park opens, head straight for Cinderella’s Castle, go underneath the castle, and Dumbo is on the other side.
4. Rides:
a. Fantasyland
i. Get Fastpass for Mickey’s PhilharMagic (#21)
ii. Dumbo (#26)
iii. Winnie the Pooh (#29) (if wait time is more than 30 min, get a fastpass)
iv. Check the Times Guide for Storytime with Belle (#23)
v. Peter Pan (#20) (FastPass, if needed)
vi. It’s a Small World (#19)
vii. Carrousel (#25)
viii. Ride Mickey’s PhilharMagic (#21)
ix. Visit with Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto (#27)
x. Teacups (#30)
b. Toon Town (Characters Mostly)
i. Hall of Fame Tent (#33) (Princesses and Fairies)
ii. Judge’s Tent (#34) (Mickey)
iii. Barnstormer (#37)
c. Tomorrowland
i. Get fastpass for Space Mountain (Carrie and Ash) (#39)
ii. Get fastpass for Buzz Lightyear (#43)
iii. Indy Speedway (#38) (Kids must ride with an adult)
iv. AstroOrbiter (#40)
v. Ride Buzz Lightyear (#43)
vi. Ride Space Mountain (Carrie and Ash) (#39)
d. Frontierland
i. Take the “secret red trail” to the Toontown Railroad station and ride 2 stops to Frontierland
ii. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (#12) (FastPass if more than 30 min wait)
e. Adventureland
i. Get fastpass for Jungle Cruise (#8)
ii. Pirates of the Caribbean (#9)
iii. Magic Carpets of Aladdin (#6)
iv. Ride Jungle Cruise w/fastpass (#8)
5. At the end of the day, take the MONORAIL back to the TTC which is a 10 minute ride.

NOTES:

‘Dreams’ Parade is at 3pm (see Map with red dotted line)

‘Wishes’ Fireworks are at 9pm (visible over Main Street)

 

[derncare]

Hollywood Studios 9am to 8:30pm
Leave Ocala by 6:45am, TAKE TWO CARS!!

1. Arrive and park at the TTC on the Disney property around 8:00am. Take the BUS to Hollywood Studios which is a 19 minute ride.
2. Arrive at the park approximately 30-45 min before opening
3. Derek - Head to the back and ride Toy Story Mania, or get a fastpass (#9)
4. Carrie/David – Head to Star Tours to find out the times for the Jedi Training Academy for David
5. Go to the front right section of the park and ride the Rock’n’Roller Coaster (#16) and Tower of Terror (#17) (Carrie and Ash)
6. Ride the Great Movie Ride(#1)
7. Ride the Studio Backlot Tour (#8)
8. Visit the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground while waiting on the Stunt Show (#6)
9. See the Lights! Motors! Action stunt show (#7)
10. Use fast passes for Toy Story Mania (#9)
11. Ride Star Tours or get a fast pass (#4)
12. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (#3)
13. Check the Times Guide for the following performances:
a. Jedi Training Academy (in front of Star Tours #4)
b. Little Mermaid (#12)
c. Playhouse Disney (#14)
d. Beauty and the Beast (#15)

NOTES:

Block Party is at 3pm

Fantasmic is at 8:30pm

Carrie/Derek/David/Katey = MAKE SURE TO LEAVE HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS NO LATER THAN 5:00pm in order to ride the BUS to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and then take the BOAT to the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground which is a 42 minute ride. Then once at the Fort Wilderness Campground, look for the Pavillion. Dinner is called “Mickey’s Backyard BBQ” and the reservations at are 6:30pm for a table of 4. This meal is paid IN FULL. After the meal, take the MONORAIL back to the TTC which is a 15 minute ride. Then drive home to Ocala.

Gannie/Ash/Bre = Stay at Hollywood Studios until the park closes at 8:30pm. Then ride the BUS back to the TTC which is a 19 minute ride. Then take the car and head home to Ocala and/or stop somewhere on the way home to eat dinner.

 

[derncare]

Just finished up my trip binder. YAY! I'm so proud of it!

Details are here if you would like to read about it (post #34). I'll post pics soon.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30715107#post30715107

Finished up most of our shirts over the weekend. I am down to only 1 thing that I have left to buy from our list.

11 Days and counting till we head out. We're super excited!

 

[shordiebecka]

you are so organized! just found your pre trip report, and I am in amazement of how you got things so carefully planned out. I will be like you when my trip gets closer looking forward to more!

 

[derncare]

you are so organized! just found your pre trip report, and I am in amazement of how you got things so carefully planned out. I will be like you when my trip gets closer looking forward to more!

I can't tell you how excited I am to have a reader! Thank you so so much!! I really appreciate it!!

 

[derncare]

I uploaded the info from my Disney Binder that I made. You can read it at the following thread, post #45:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30766753#post30766753

9 More Days!

 

[derncare]

I just uploaded photos of more stuff that I have made for our trip!

Check it out!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30771075#post30771075

8 more days!!

 

[bettyann29]

Hi Carrie!! Just came across your PTR..

I have to bow down to your creativity WOW is all I can say.. I so love all those shirts!! I wish I could come up with something like that.. However my kids are older and wouldnt be caught dead in matching outfits.. I did get them to wear tie dye shirts one day on our last trip and you would have thought I was trying to kill them.. But...

I do have a DGD2 and another DGD who is almost 10 months that will wear whatever I put on them.. So I have 2 last chances to redeem myself..

Wow.. Just think in a little over 1 week you will be at the House of the Mouse.. How exciting to be your first trip.. I bet you will get bit by the Disney bug as soon as you arrive..

Your plans sounds great, but just keep at the back of your mind that you wont be able to do everything in every park.. there is just too much to do.. but all the more reason to plan another trip when you return, right?? at least thats what I told DH..

With 2 little ones remember to keep things at their pace or they will make things miserable for you guys.. utilize that FP whenever you can and take time to smell the roses.. Disneyworld is such a fun place, but such a beautiful place at the same time.. Before I went for the first time I always thought of it as equivalent to our Six Flags.. It does not compare!

Have fun and I cant wait to read more..

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! Thanks for sharing all of this great info!! I am probably as OCD as you are and I just LOVE your organizational binder!

 

[Reese'smom]

Hey! I came on over from my PTR. Your binder is seriously wonderful and I had actually been looking at it yesterday! I hope you dont mind if I steal some of your ideas! Have fun on your trip and be sure to let us know how your plans work out.

 

[irky416]

I really like all your projects! The clothes for your daughter are really cute.

I love that you took a video of your notebook! Haha. That is totally something I would do! I made a planner for this year with personal pictures and stuff and had it bound at Office Depot and it's like my favorite thing ever. I get people asking me about it all the time. Stuff looks so nice bound professionally!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[tink1957]

You are a planning goddess and I salute you.

I can't wait to read about all of your adventures.

 

[derncare]

Here's another great idea that I came up with (thank goodness for this creative brain). It turned out wonderfully! Check it out:

http://derncare.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/mickey-mouse-toes/

 

[derncare]

Hi Carrie!! Just came across your PTR..

I have to bow down to your creativity WOW is all I can say.. I so love all those shirts!! I wish I could come up with something like that.. However my kids are older and wouldnt be caught dead in matching outfits.. I did get them to wear tie dye shirts one day on our last trip and you would have thought I was trying to kill them.. But...

I do have a DGD2 and another DGD who is almost 10 months that will wear whatever I put on them.. So I have 2 last chances to redeem myself..

Wow.. Just think in a little over 1 week you will be at the House of the Mouse.. How exciting to be your first trip.. I bet you will get bit by the Disney bug as soon as you arrive..

Your plans sounds great, but just keep at the back of your mind that you wont be able to do everything in every park.. there is just too much to do.. but all the more reason to plan another trip when you return, right?? at least thats what I told DH..

With 2 little ones remember to keep things at their pace or they will make things miserable for you guys.. utilize that FP whenever you can and take time to smell the roses.. Disneyworld is such a fun place, but such a beautiful place at the same time.. Before I went for the first time I always thought of it as equivalent to our Six Flags.. It does not compare!

Have fun and I cant wait to read more..

Thanks so much for all the advice! I really appreciate it! The closer we get the more I feel like throwing caution to the wind and just playing it by ear at the park. I did subscribe to Ride Max and now have new schedules besides the ones above. We are starting at Epcot on Day 1 so I think we'll try out the Ride Max schedule for that day and see how it goes. We can always change on Day 2 if it doesn't work out or we feel too rushed. Thanks so much for reading!

YAY!! Thanks for sharing all of this great info!! I am probably as OCD as you are and I just LOVE your organizational binder!

Your Welcome! I love the binder too - my husband though, does not! ha ha ha

Hey! I came on over from my PTR. Your binder is seriously wonderful and I had actually been looking at it yesterday! I hope you dont mind if I steal some of your ideas! Have fun on your trip and be sure to let us know how your plans work out.

Steal away! I got lots of my ideas from this board and it is so great that we can all build off of each other's ideas. I can't wait to read more about your trip too - AFTER I get back from mine! lol

I really like all your projects! The clothes for your daughter are really cute.

I love that you took a video of your notebook! Haha. That is totally something I would do! I made a planner for this year with personal pictures and stuff and had it bound at Office Depot and it's like my favorite thing ever. I get people asking me about it all the time. Stuff looks so nice bound professionally!

Have a great trip!!!

Thank you so much! As for the video, I just didn't think the pics were cutting it and I really wanted my ideas to come across for others. I'm a freak, I know! It's okay though, I embrace it! ha ha ha

You are a planning goddess and I salute you.

I can't wait to read about all of your adventures.

Thank you so much!! That totally just made my day!!

 

[derncare]

I've been reading Completed Trip Reports in that forum. Anyone know why I can't post there?

Oh and BTW, WE ARE LEAVING TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[irky416]

The Mickey toes are cute! The first video is so funny. She looks so scared. Your daughter is cute.

 

[derncare]

We had a few visits this morning before leaving:

http://derncare.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/a-few-disney-visitors/